When a power outage occurs, emergency lighting can be the difference between chaos and calm. These critical systems guide people to safety by illuminating pathways and exits during emergencies. But to function when needed most, they must be tested and maintained regularly. If you're a property owner or manager, staying on top of your emergency lighting maintenance is not just a smart safety practice—it’s a legal obligation.

Why Is Emergency Lighting Important?

Emergency lights provides backup illumination when the regular power supply fails. Whether due to a fire, natural disaster, or electrical fault, emergency lights help occupants exit the building safely. These systems are especially crucial in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential buildings. OSHA and NFPA regulations require that emergency light systems be fully operational and tested at specific intervals.

Testing and Maintenance

How Often Should Lighting Be Tested?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 101) requires that emergency lighting systems undergo:

• Monthly Functional Tests – Lights must be tested for at least 30 seconds to confirm they turn on and operate properly.
• Annual Full Duration Tests – A full test is required annually to ensure the battery can support emergency lighting for the full duration during a real emergency.

Maintenance includes checking batteries, bulbs, and internal components for damage or wear. If a system fails a test, it must be repaired or replaced promptly to remain compliant.

Stay Compliant and Keep Occupants Safe

Regular testing ensures your lighting will function when it matters most. Neglecting this responsibility not only puts lives at risk but could also lead to legal penalties and insurance issues.

Ensure Your Emergency Exit Lighting is Always Ready

At Service Fire Equipment, we offer scheduled inspections and maintenance to help your building stay safe and compliant. Contact us today to set up a service plan tailored to your property’s needs.

An expired fire extinguisher is more than just an outdated tool—it can be a serious safety risk if left unchecked. Fire extinguishers play a critical role in protecting lives and property during emergencies, but they don't last forever. Understanding what happens after they expire and how to properly dispose of them is essential for maintaining a safe environment.

Fire safety should be a top priority for any business, regardless of industry or size. Yet far too many companies unintentionally overlook critical precautions, putting their employees, customers, and assets at risk. By learning about the top fire safety mistakes businesses make, you can better prepare your workplace to avoid costly hazards, violations, and downtime.

Running a business or managing a commercial property involves many responsibilities, and fire safety is one of the most important. A fire marshal inspection is not just a formality—it ensures that your building meets local, state, and national fire codes and is safe for employees, customers, and visitors. Failing an inspection can result in costly fines, mandatory closures, or worse, increased risk in the event of a fire.

When it comes to fire protection, fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance are often misunderstood or used interchangeably. While both are essential for safety and compliance, they serve different functions in ensuring that your fire extinguishers are ready when you need them most.

Recharging fire extinguishers is crucial because, once every 24 seconds, a fire department responds to an emergency call regarding a fire. Is your business ready when it comes to fire protection? While developing an evacuation plan and assigning roles in your office is important, ensuring that you know how to operate a fire extinguisher -- and that those fire extinguishers are in working condition -- is also key.

In this post, we'll walk you through the steps you need to know to understand how to use a fire extinguisher and discuss the importance of proper maintenance and recharging dire extinguishers. 

We'll also tell you how to find the top fire extinguisher sales and services in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Knowing how to put out a kitchen fire quickly and effectively could save a life.

During a three year span, close to 8000 restaurant fires were reported across the U.S. each year. Most of these fires started in the kitchen.

At home, it's a similar story. Over a four-year period, domestic kitchen fires from cooking activities resulted in an average of 530 deaths per year. 

With planning and preparation, no one ever needs to find themselves in the face of a kitchen fire and not know how to put it out. Below are the three most effective ways to put out a kitchen fire.

Vent hood cleaning should never be an afterthought for restaurant owners. It’s one of the most critical components of a commercial kitchen’s fire safety and hygiene strategy. Yet, it’s often overlooked—until there’s a problem. This guide breaks down the essentials, so you know when, why, and how to stay compliant and safe.

Fire protection for business is more than just meeting building codes—it’s a critical safeguard for your employees, customers, assets, and reputation. Fires occur every 24 seconds in the United States, causing devastating losses in both property and lives.

In 2017 alone, fires led to nearly $10.7 billion in property damage and claimed the lives of nearly 3,400 individuals. Despite these alarming figures, many commercial properties still lack essential fire protection measures.

Fire Protection Is a Legal and Moral Obligation

Without proper fire protection in place, your business is vulnerable to catastrophic loss—and you may also face legal liability. Courts can find business owners criminally responsible if a fire occurs and it's proven that adequate fire protection was not implemented.

Whether you operate a small retail shop or a large commercial kitchen, the right fire protection system helps safeguard lives and ensures your business complies with local and national fire safety regulations.

Types of Fire Protection

There are two categories of fire protection: passive and active systems. Both are essential for full coverage.

• Passive Fire Protection - These include features like emergency exit signs and lighting, which guide occupants to safety during a fire. LED exit signs are a smart investment—they’re energy-efficient, long-lasting, and highly visible even in smoke-filled areas.
• Active Fire Protection - This includes fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. Fire extinguishers are vital tools for suppressing small fires before they spread. Depending on your environment, you may need different types designed for electrical, grease, or chemical fires.

Fire Protection Services You Can Count On

Fire protection is a responsibility no business owner should ignore. A well-designed system protects your people, property, and peace of mind.

At Service Fire Equipment, we provide expert sales, service, and consultation for all types of fire protection systems. We’re fully licensed in Texas and have over a decade of experience serving businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We also offer same-day and 24-hour emergency services.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection or consultation and make sure your business is fully protected.